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Construction of a genetic linkage map and detection of quantitative trait locus for the ergothioneine content in tamogitake mushroom (Pleurotus cornucopiae var. citrinopileatus)

Summary

Researchers created the first genetic map of tamogitake mushrooms to identify genes controlling ergothioneine content. Ergothioneine is an antioxidant compound that provides health benefits like fighting inflammation and protecting brain health. They found one key genetic marker that reliably predicts which mushrooms will have high ergothioneine levels, enabling farmers to selectively breed mushrooms with enhanced health benefits.

Background

Tamogitake mushroom contains ergothioneine (EGT), an antioxidant amino acid with multiple health benefits including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Developing high-content EGT strains is an important breeding target as EGT must be consumed from food sources since humans cannot synthesize it.

Objective

To construct the first genetic linkage map for tamogitake mushroom and detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with L-ergothioneine content in the fruiting body to enable marker-assisted selection for breeding high-EGT strains.

Results

A genetic linkage map with 12 linkage groups and total distance of 906.8 cM was constructed with average marker interval of 4.0 cM. One QTL for EGT content was detected in linkage group 10 with LOD score of 2.53 and 10.1% contribution rate. An SNP (A/T) in the hyps gene region was identified that correlated well with EGT phenotypes in both QTL and wild populations.

Conclusion

The first genetic linkage map for tamogitake mushroom successfully identified a QTL controlling EGT content. The identified SNP marker shows potential for marker-assisted selection to develop high-EGT strains. This provides fundamental information for understanding EGT biosynthesis in mushrooms and improving breeding programs.
  • Published in:Mycoscience,
  • Study Type:Genetic mapping and quantitative trait locus analysis,
  • Source: PMID: 37090022, DOI: 10.47371/mycosci.2020.11.003
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